Educators, the new ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) workshop schedule for July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, has been released! Register now at https://www.enticeworkshops.com. ENTICE workshops offer training on Illinois-specific topics and supply you with the tools needed to implement the topic into your curriculum immediately. Participants learn from resources professionals, take part in activities and spend time outdoors (where appropriate). Continuing Professional Development Units are available at all ENTICE workshops. ENTICE is a program of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education.

Project Squirrel
Mobile Phone App

With the new Project Squirrel mobile phone app, your
students can easily become involved in citizen science activities that can be
incorporated into lessons to support the Next Generation Science Standards
(NGSS). The app is free and both Apple and Android versions are available. Go
to iTunes or the Google Play Store and download the app today. All citizens can
take part in the data collection. Lessons to support squirrel observations will
be posted soon at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm.You can learn more about Project Squirrel at http://www.projectsquirrel.org/. The
Project Squirrel mobile phone app is sponsored by the Chicago Academy of
Science’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the IDNR,
the University of Illinois at Chicago and Motorola.

New lessons based on the Next Generation Science
Standards (NGSS) are being added to the IDNR Web page at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm.
Visit often as lessons will be added as they are completed. Recently added
lesson topics include: mammals for grades kindergarten, one, two and three;
fossils for grades three, four and middle school; and trees for grade one. Also
on this Web page, you will find lessons correlated to the newly revised
Illinois Early Learning Standards.

NewVideo Podcasts

The IDNR Division of Education’s video podcasts can help
you to preview and plan lessons as well as provide you with teaching tools and
tips for completing grant applications. We have added more podcasts recently. The
latest video podcasts provide information in the Kids for Conservation® “Hey
IDNR, How Do I. . .?” series for identifying frogs and
toads by their call. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/education/podcasts.htm
or search for them through the iTunes Store and on YouTube (search for “IDNREducation”).

The IDNR Division of Education will be hosting an
exhibitor’s booth at these upcoming teacher conferences. Stop by our booth on
these dates to pick up educational resources to supplement your teaching and
find out how our programs can assist you.

March 6-7, Illinois
Coalition for the Education of At-risk Youth Conference, Normal

April 2-3,
National Association for Interpretation Region V Conference, Rockford

April 19,
Homeschooling Educators’ Fair, Champaign

April 25,
Western Illinois University Science Update Conference, Macomb

Have You Made
Reservations to Borrow IDNR Resources Trunks for Spring?

IDNR’s popular
resources trunks are available statewide and represent 10 topics. They
supplement many lessons and provide hands-on resources that can enliven your
teaching. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/teach.htm for links to all the resources trunk Web
pages and lending site contact information. Resources trunks are great
supplemental educational tools for use by teachers,
youth group leaders, scout leaders, church group leaders, camp leaders and
nature center personnel. There have been several lending site changes recently,
so check the lists to see what’s new in your area. Don’t forget that the Field Trip Pack for early childhood
educators is available, too! Check out the trunk video podcasts on the IDNR Web
site, iTunes and YouTube. New lessons correlating the trunks to the Next
Generation Science Standards are being posted at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm
as they are completed.

Register Now for Upcoming ENTICE Professional
Development Workshops

The following ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training
Institute for Conservation Education) educator workshops from the IDNR are
scheduled for March through August. Go to https://www.enticeworkshops.com
for more details and to register. Continuing Professional Development Units are
available at all ENTICE workshops. Experience ENTICE!

Illinois Aquatics
101, Online, March 10-23, 2014

Explore Illinois' freshwater environments in this
workshop targeted to educators of grades 4-8. We’ll learn about the types of
aquatic habitats in Illinois, their physical factors and the organisms adapted
to them. Numerous supplemental educational items will be provided. Educators of
other grade levels are welcome to register but may need to adapt the materials
as appropriate. REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 A.M. ON
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014.

This workshop for educators of grades prekindergarten
through three will provide you with the information and resources that you need
to successfully teach about and observe wildlife. We’ll focus on the life
history of common wildlife species, and we’ll go on a hike to look for wildlife
and their signs. You’ll receive training in using basic equipment. We’ll also
discuss developing wildlife habitat on your school grounds. You’ll take away
numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature.

Introducing Early
Childhood Students to Nature, Western Illinois University, Moline Campus,
April 12, 2014

You can make a lifelong difference with your early
childhood students by introducing them to the wonders of the natural world! How
do you do it? Where should you go? What tools do you need? What are the
liability issues? These questions and many more will be answered during this
workshop targeted to educators of grades prekindergarten through three. We’ll
go on a nature hike and will feature the Field
Trip Pack from the IDNR. You’ll take away numerous resources to use with
young children when learning about nature. Staff from the Illinois Early
Learning Project in Champaign will lead the workshop.

Wildlife is all around us, even in downtown Chicago!
Educators of grades four through six are invited to participate as we learn
where to look for urban wildlife, what you can expect to find, how to identify
species and how to improve urban wildlife habitat at your school. Natural
resources professionals and educators will instruct about these topics and
more, including how species adapt to the urban environment, how humans affect
urban wildlife, and control of nuisance species. We'll take a hike to search
for urban wildlife present in spring. Receive supplemental educational
materials to enhance your teaching.

Introducing Early
Childhood Students to Nature, Kendall County Forest Preserve District,
Yorkville, May 10, 2014

You can make a lifelong difference with your early
childhood students by introducing them to the wonders of the natural world! How
do you do it? Where should you go? What tools do you need? What are the
liability issues? These questions and many more will be answered during this
workshop targeted to educators of grades prekindergarten through three. We’ll
go on a nature hike and will feature the Field
Trip Pack from the IDNR. You’ll take away numerous resources to use with
young children when learning about nature.

How’s your habitat? Join us to learn how you and your
students can take action to improve wildlife habitat on your school grounds.
Educators of grades kindergarten through 12 will learn basic habitat design and
development techniques. We'll assess what is already on the school grounds and
what might be missing. We'll discuss utilizing the habitat to the support the
school curriculum. Become aware of grant opportunities and obtain supplemental
materials to help you get started with your own schoolyard habitat development.

Wildlife species are important components of forests.
From the leaf litter on the ground to the canopy in the sky, their presence
helps to determine the health and stability of the forest ecosystem. The
ecosystem in turn affects all wildlife species living in it. In this workshop
for teachers of grades kindergarten through eight, we will explore the life
history of wildlife populations, their interactions and their important role in
the forest ecosystem.

Pollinators and the
Prairie, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, June 28,
2014

Explore the hidden world of pollinators and their unique
relationship with the plants they pollinate. This workshop will give you a
hands-on look at plants and pollinators in action, including a visit to The
Morton Arboretum's prairie and beehives. You will experience hands-on
activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. Although
targeted to teachers of grades kindergarten through five, all educators are
welcome to register for this workshop but may need to adapt the materials for
their students, as appropriate.

Illinois Prairies,Rock
Springs Nature Center, Decatur, July 11, 2014Imagining the vast prairies of
Illinois’ past is difficult, but you can visit an existing prairie if you join
us for this workshop at Rock Springs Nature Center. Designed for educators of
grades kindergarten through eight, you’ll learn about prairie ecology as well
as the history of the prairie in Illinois and how humans have affected
prairies. We’ll talk a walk through the prairie and discuss the prairie plants
that we find. Illinois-specific educational resources will be provided and
suggestions will be given for using the prairie and prairie-related resources
from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help you meet Next
Generation Science Standards. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome
to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the information.

Alien Invaders: They are Here!,U.S. Forest Service Shawnee National Forest Office, Harrisburg, July
18, 2014
What are invasive species? How did they arrive in Illinois? What are issues
related to them? These and many other questions will be answered at this
workshop for teachers of grades six through 12. We'll discuss numerous invasive
exotic plants, insects and animals that are present in our state, including
their life history, identification and control. We'll also get outdoors by
taking a walk to look for invasive plants, and there will be some great hands
on, engaging activities that you will be able to take back to your classroom,
nature center, etc. The Illinois’ Invasive Species resources trunk
and its connections to the Next Generation Science Standards will be featured.

Illinois Beetles,Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, August
1, 2014The beetles are coming! Join us to study the amazing
world of beetles in Illinois. We’ll look at their life history, habitats and
importance. Identification skills will be introduced and practiced. We’ll
search for beetles in a nearby prairie and woodland. Targeted to educators of
grades four through eight, hands-on activities and classroom-ready materials
will be provided. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the
workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught,
as appropriate.

The public is welcome to view flint knapping
demonstrations during the Museum’s first ever Weekend Knap-In. Learn about the different techniques used by
several craftsmen and see their stone tool creations. For more information call
Christa Christensen at 309-547-3721. The event is free, but donations are
welcome.

Museum staff and other experts will be available to
identify your artifacts, rocks, fossils, animal bones, and perhaps anything
else you may be curious about. Even if you don’t have any items to identify, be
sure to stop in to view the artifacts and live demonstrations. The event is
free, but donations are welcome.

Nature Exploration

Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day

Fee: $5 per day for Illinois State Museum Society members;
$8 per day for nonmembers

9-12 years old

Bugs, wetlands, trees, plants, mammals, birds, flowers
and more! Explore various aspects of nature in two days. Discover so much that
you’ll want to learn more! Registration is required with a maximum of 10
participants each day. Participants may
register for individual days if unable to attend both days. Each participant
will be responsible for bringing their own snacks, drinks and lunch.

Hickory Ridge Coffee House Concert Series

Performances by noted folk musicians
the third Saturday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by singer-songwriter Chris
Vallillo. Admission: $5.00 for adults, $3.00
for children. For a listing of upcoming shows go to http://hickoryridge.outfitters.com/
or call the Museum at 309-547-3721.

Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People

Adults and their tots will have fun exploring,
discovering, and learning on the first Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00
a.m. in the Museum’s Discovery Center. Spend quality time with your tot, while
each of you makes new friends. A different topic and craft will be featured
each month. Registration is not required and admission is free. Participants
will enjoy light refreshments. This program series is sponsored by MidAmerica National Bank and Havana National Bank. Topics
are as follows: February-Animals in Winter; March-Duck, Duck, Goose!; April-From Garbage to Art.

Illinois Valley Archaeological Society

Join us for monthly presentations on a variety of archaeological
topics.Admission is free.Visit the Museum’s Web site at www.experiencedicksonmounds.com
or call 309-547-3721 for more information.

Dickson Mounds Museum Offers Workshops for
Teachers

Educators! Gather
together and schedule a workshop at Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown,
Illinois. Workshops may be a half- or full-day experience and include a
behind-the-scenes look at the museum, facility tours and hands-on activities,
including archaeological work, nature observation, hiking,
canoeing and biological laboratory work. See what kinds of opportunities
Dickson Mounds and its Emiquon partners, The Nature
Conservancy, University of Illinois at Springfield Therkildsen
Field Station at Emiquon and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service have to offer youth and adults. A minimum of six teachers is
required per workshop. Dickson Mounds Museum, a branch of the Illinois State
Museum and a National Historic Site, is one of the major on-site archaeological
museums in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the
world of the American Indian in an awe inspiring journey through 12,000 years
of human experience in the Illinois River Valley. Dickson Mounds Museum's
workshops provide Continuing Professional Development Units. Workshops may
be tailored upon request. Contact Curator of Education Christa Christensen
by phone at 309-547-3721 or cchristensen@museum.state.il.us to schedule your workshop or
for more information. Also, visit http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/dickson/for
current program and event listings.

IDNR Publications

Do you need Illinois-specific, scientifically based
resources to support your lessons? Then visit the IDNR Publications Order Form
at http://dnr.state.il.us/teachkids.
You’ll find activity books, posters and many other publications available to
download and/or order. Many of the publications have a Spanish-language
version, too. Illinois Trees: An
Education and Activity Book, Illinois
Prairies Coloring Poster, Aquatic
Resources Crossword Puzzle, A to Z
from a Tree student activity sheet and What
Good is a Dead Tree?are just some of the items
available to teachers. Order now!

IDNR Division of
Education List Server

Educators throughout Illinois can obtain instant
notification about new products, scheduled workshops and many other events and
items from the IDNR through the IDNR Division of Education's electronic list
server. By participating in the list server, you will receive email messages
when new educational materials are available from the IDNR. You'll also be made
aware of upcoming workshops and special opportunities. To join the list, send
an email to subscribe-dnr-education@lists.illinois.gov.
You do not need to write any text in the message or the subject line. You may
leave the list at any time by sending an email to unsubscribe-dnr-education@lists.illinois.gov.
You do not need to write any text in the message or the subject line. There is
no charge to participate. Messages are usually titled "Items of Possible
Interest" in the subject line

IDNR Education offers Field Trip Tips for Educators

Visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/fieldtrip
to access information that will help you and your students have a successful
outdoor experience at an Illinois state park. You can find the state park
nearest to you and a list of its amenities. By clicking on the category names
in the “Lesson Topics” feature, you can link to the IDNR lesson plans and
materials that will help you teach about the habitats, organisms and/or history
of each park. Lessons for pre-trip, on site and post-trip are available in
downloadable PDF format. Field trip etiquette and planning are also discussed.
After deciding on your destination, why not apply for an Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant?
You’ll find a link to that information on this Web site, too.

Wildlife in the Classroom

Has a student ever brought an animal into your classroom
and asked you to keep it? Have you ever found a feather or a bird’s nest and
wanted to use it to supplement your lessons? Do you know the Illinois and
federal laws that apply to these situations? Teachers often come in contact
with wildlife or wildlife remains, willingly or not. It is important for you to
know what to do in these situations. The IDNR Division of Education has
produced a reference document for your use. Wildlife in the Classroom
is not all-encompassing, but it will provide you with basic information about
possessing wildlife and wildlife remains. You can download the publication at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/wildlifeintheclassrm041409.pdf.
If you would like to read the entire Wildlife Code for Illinois, you can access
it at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2.asp?ChapterID=43.

We’re on Facebook!

Visit our Facebook page to find the latest updates about
the materials and programs of the IDNR Education Section. You’ll also find
images from ENTICE workshops! Search for “Illinois Department of Natural
Resources Division of Education.”

Illinois Trapper Education
Online Course

The IDNR offers an online course for those interested in
learning to trap. People who are required to complete a course before
purchasing a trapping license now have two choices. They can take a full-day
course in the classroom or complete half of the requirement online and half in
the classroom, where they learn hands-on skills such as setting traps and
preparing pelts for sale.

Courses are free. The IDNR encourages all trappers,
regardless of age, to take a course. First-time trappers under 18 years of age
must complete a course and pass a written exam before they are allowed to
purchase a trapping license. Those under 16 years of age must also have written
permission from a parent or guardian before purchasing a license.

Illinois Trapper Education Online (http://www.trappered.com) covers topics
such as trapping equipment, laws and ethics through online film clips, reading
materials, quizzes, photos and illustrations. Students can exit the course and
resume work where they left off at any time. The course is accessible using a
basic dial-up connection, although high speed connections work best.

At the end of the Internet course, students must successfully
complete the final exam online and download a printable document of completion.
Students must present the document when attending the four-hour training
session with instructors. To locate an instructor-taught course, visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/default.aspx
or call 1-800-832-2599. The Ameritech Relay for the deaf and hearing impaired
is 1-800-526-0844.

Wild Illinois History Leads Students on a Journey to Learn About
History and Wildlife Conservation

The IDNR is offering a "virtual" trip for
late-elementary schoolteachers, students and their parents. With a few mouse
clicks, students can journey back to the earliest days of the Illinois
Territory when voyageurs and Native Americans hunted the prairies, forests and
rivers. Wild Illinois History helps
students in grades three through five focus on early
French exploration, along with river and settlement geography. Students can
learn how wildlife helped Native Americans and early settlers survive. They
also can see how wildlife is a part of our lives today. A fictional French
trapper in the 18th century Illinois Territory leads students on the trip.
Brief story-telling slideshows are mixed with fun, interactive activities. For
teachers, Wild Illinois History offers lesson
plans, activities, photos, posters and correlations to Illinois Learning
Standards. Try it out at http://www.wildillinois.org/.
For more information, contact Bob Bluett, IDNR Wildlife Diversity Coordinator
at 217-782-7580 or bob.bluett@illinois.gov.